Fernandina Beach in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Evans’ Rendezvous
American Beach Historic District
— A Project of the Trust for Public Land —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
1. Evans’ Rendezvous Marker
In the early 1930’s, A.L. Lewis, president of the Afro American Insurance Company, bought 200 acres of beachfront so his employees could enjoy the Florida shore during the days of segregation. For the next 40 years, American Beach was a paradise for vacationing African-Americans. Evans’ Rendezvous nightclub was an anchor of the community, welcoming artists such as Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong. Today, American Beach is threatened by encroaching development. The Trust for Public Land has purchased Evans’ Rendezvous and is working with Nassau County to restore the building and preserve several nearby sites.
www.tpl.org/florida
850-222-7911
904-388-7595
Special thanks to James & Jacqueline Draheim
Erected by The Trust for Public Land.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 30° 34.398′ N, 81° 26.655′ W. Marker is in Fernandina Beach, Florida, in Nassau County. Marker is at the intersection of Gregg Street and Lewis Street, on the left when traveling south on Gregg Street. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Evans' Rendezvous (here, next to this marker); A Dune System Called "NaNa" (within shouting distance of this marker); American Beach at the Crossroads (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic American Beach (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Home on American Beach (about 500 feet away); Ervin’s Rest (about 600 feet away); The Guzman House (about 700 feet away); The Stewart House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fernandina Beach.
Regarding Evans’ Rendezvous. The Trust for Public Land’s future plans for the site involve restoring the long abandoned structure and converting it into a museum centering on the club’s heyday in the 1940’s and 50’s.
Also see . . . American Beach. The Trust for Public Land (Submitted on January 20, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
2. Evans’ Rendezvous Marker
Photo courtesy of A.L. Lewis Historical Society, January 18, 2020
3. Photo Insert: Evans’ Rendezvous at American Beach
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 997 times since then and 187 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
